Loco for Lotion

Rating: 5/5

I know there are so many gunk for lotion out there. However, I have tried one that actually makes you skin soft as soon as you apply it. There is even a ten-day promise. I cannot vouch for this promise because I was not able to follow the routine religiously for ten days. It's not the lotion, it's me! I am always in a hurry in the morning that putting on lotion is the last thing on my mind. It is nice to use however, for moments when you actually have the time to slather some.

The effective lotion? Kiehl's Creme de Corps lotion. There is a light formula if you do not want the thick one. I bought the thick one just so I am sure I am not getting shortchanged. I want all the moisture the big bottle can offer. The downside? It's a bit more creamy, hence takes a bit more time to get absorbed. You have to let it sit on your skin but it is worth it. You can apply it on dry areas and you will surely notice the difference as soon as you apply it. At least, this is how it is for me.

This is the best body lotion I have tried so far. The scent? Do not ask me about the scent! Haha! It does not have a strong scent, if it even has any at all. Then again, you got lotion so your skin will be softer, if you want to smell nice then you would have used perfume instead. I think a lotion without scent is actually good because this means you will not have to layer your perfume with another scent.

This lotion is more expensive than the usual lotion you can buy in other shops but it is worth it.

Peeling, Nothing More Than Peeling

Rating: 5/5

Like all the other brides-to-be, I was also obsessed with the wedding magazines! I read all of them! In one of the magazines, I saw tips on what beauty products to use at a certain age. One of the products caught my attention because apparently, this product is for all ages. I am 28 already so I fear trying products that can tend to dry out my face. I would like to elude the wrinkles for as long as I can. Knowing that this product is for any age, I was encouraged.

I found a reason to go to Greenbelt 5 *wahaha* to lure my then-fiance *wahaha* and when I got there, I was able to get the bottle that promised beautiful, renewed skin in just one night! I think I got it for more than a thousand Pesos.

Being the girl with no EQ, I immediately tried this when I got home. The directions said I should apply it evenly on my face and let it stay there until the following morning. I should wash it with warm water after wearing the gunk overnight. It did not sting at all nor did it itch, though I have heard other people complain about itching. This gunk is colorless and it peels evenly. The downside of these beautiful features though is that it smells like ammonia.

After one night, my skin was indeed whiter (which I did not particularly like, I am worried I might burn my face under the sun), cheeks were rosy and the pores less obvious. Indications on the product are the following: the product is supposed to help dull skin, hyperpigmentation, dark spots and sensitive to chemical treatments.

It's like you scrubbed your face, without having to scrub. The product says you have to use it every other day but when I tried doing that, I noticed my skin being a bit sensitive to my moisturizer so I used it every three to four days. It was really great.

I would recommend this product but remember to put on enough sunblock all day as this is still a peeling product and therefore, you must protect your skin. I have ended up under the sun for prolonged periods of time (like when we went to Laguna to look for my then-fiance's barong) but thankfully, no maps on my face because I used my Shiseido SPF 50 PA+++ UVA/UVB sunblock.

Happy peeling!

Result: Rosy skin and less obvious pores
Downside: This smells of ammonia so remember to ask the Kiehl's sales associate to let you smell it first. It is tolerable for me though and the effects are all worth it.

When It Rains, It Pores

Rating: 3/5

I was obsessed about my pores for a while and so I tried Shiseido Pureness Pore Purifying Warming Scrub ( I know this sounds so much like the Estee Lauder Idealist)and then the Shiseido Pureness Cooling Essence. The Cooling Essence it to be applied on the pores (avoiding the mouth and eye area, maybe because it's drying) night and day. The Pore Purifying Warming Scrub can be used once a week because this has beads that exfoliates.

I tried this but stopped using it because I did not see immediate effects and also, a few days after I bought this, I got obsessed with Estee Lauder's Idealist Thermal-D Refinisher. It won the Cosmopolitan award then. The Shiseido Pureness line is cheaper than the Estee Lauder's Idealist line.

I still have these, do you think I should give it another try? My concern is that Pureness is a line for oily skin, and I am past the oily stage. I am already 28 so while I have bouts of oiliness at times, most of the time, my skin is parched and in need of moisture. I am just worried it might ruin the balance (as if!) of my skin.

Miracle Cream for the Bride To Be

Rating: 5/5
Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair Concentrate is indeed a miracle cream. It made my skin glow in just 21 days before my wedding! My then fiance got a great photographer and a great videographer for our wedding and I did not want to waste the money he was investing on them so I wanted to look like the radiant bride I am expected to be.

I did my research and contemplated on diamond peel. However, as I browsed the site of Estee Lauder, I found out about Estee Lauder's pre-wedding program. It comprised of ANR Repair Concentrate and the right moisturizer. I immediately wanted to try this, and so, while this beauty miracle cream is a bit on the pricey side, I took my risk.

I was glad I took the risk because the results were dramatic. I would buy this again if I had too. In 21 days, I was not able to finish it. I only had to apply this before sleeping. I think I have enough to last me another 21 days which I will use 3 months from now. I love this product!

The applicator is a dropper so it's very economical, you do not get to use more than what you need. As any Estee Lauder product, the packaging is also very elegant and luxurious. This is something you want in your cosmetic bag. :)

The price? I'm still glad though that it is not as pricey as La Mer still... Though I have not tried this product. Perhaps someday when I have more moolah to spend! :)

Result: Radiant and glowing skin!

My Idea of an Ideal Idealist

Rating: 5/5

The Idealist Micro-D Thermal Refinisher from my last post has a partner. This partner though, can be used everyday. It is simply called the Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher. I love this product because after two 50 ml bottles, I could really see the difference! Others also seem to notice the difference. I use it all over my face before my moisturizer in the morning.

My idea of the ideal Idealist? Cheaper. :)

Result: Visibly smaller pores and smoother skin. :)

Downside: The container does not allow you finish off all the contents *hehe* Can you blame me if I want to use every last drop?

Idealist Micro-D Deep Thermal Refinisher

My skin is not what you would call fabulous and so when I found out I had 12 months to prepare for my wedding, I immediately got to thinking, I need all the help I can get.

I love reading magazines and I have read wonderful reviews on Idealist Micro-D Deep Thermal Refinisher. It even received a Cosmopolitan Beauty Award. I just had to try it. It is a bit pricey but it is supposed to have three differently-sized grains that helps to exfoliate your face. Also, strangely, it makes your face really, really warm.

It brightens your face the following day. However, it can sting a bit. You also should be careful not to concentrate on the same area too much so that you will not over-exfoliate and end up burning part of your skin from too much friction. The nice thing though is that they provide very detailed instructions matched with really nice animations at Estee Lauder.

I did not use this throughout my wedding preparation but I did use it once in a while. I was afraid I might have a bad break out if I used it every other day as recommended.

Result after using:
A bit reddish skin. Don't worry it fades after and then all you have is renewed skin.

Warning: Make sure though that you wear enough sun block and that you do not go wandering about under the sun for far too long lest your skin might get damaged. You do not want maps on your face.